The Way of the Master
Moving beyond identity into action. This series explores the specific rhythms and works of Christ, challenging us to model our daily walk after His master pattern. Each 30-minute session is built to bridge the gap between ancient scripture and modern life.
Week 1: The Incarnation: Proximity
Scripture: John 1:1-14
The Big Idea: Jesus didn’t just send help; He showed up.
Discussion:
- Jesus didn’t just "send help"; He became human. What does His choice of a "messy" entry (manger, poor parents) tell us about His priorities?
- In what "messy" or uncomfortable area of your life or community are you currently trying to "send help" from a distance rather than showing up in person?
Week 2: The Desert: Integrity
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
The Big Idea: You cannot give what you haven’t stored up.
Discussion:
- In Matthew 4, Jesus answers every temptation with Scripture. Why was His internal preparation more important than His outward miracle-working at this stage?
- We all have a "default" response to stress or temptation. What would it look like for you to replace that default with a specific truth from Jesus’ life?
Week 3: The Mountain: The New Ethic
Scripture: Matthew 5-7
The Big Idea: Modeling Jesus is a heart-fix, not a habit-track.
Discussion:
- Jesus calls us to be "perfect" in mercy, not mistake-free living. How does that change your view of "modeling" Him?
- Which "rule" of the Sermon on the Mount (e.g., loving enemies, not worrying) do you find most offensive to your natural instincts right now?
Week 4: The Secret Place: Dependence
Scripture: Luke 5:15-16
The Big Idea: If you don’t come apart to rest, you will just come apart.
Discussion:
- Jesus withdrew to pray after huge successes. Why do you think He felt the need to "re-center" most when things were going well?
- If you were forced to "withdraw" for 15 minutes of silence every day this week, what internal noise or anxiety would you be most afraid to face?
Week 5: The Border Crosser: Inclusion
Scripture: John 4:1-42
The Big Idea: Jesus sees a person where we see a category.
Discussion:
- In John 4, Jesus breaks social, racial, and gender barriers. Which barrier was the hardest for the disciples to watch Him break?
- Who is the person in your life that you’ve "categorized" as someone not worth your time or someone you "shouldn't" associate with?
Week 6: The Healer: Compassion
Scripture: Mark 1:40-45
The Big Idea: Compassion starts with a touch, not a check.
Discussion:
- Jesus touched the leper before healing him. Why was the touch as important as the cure?
- When you see someone in need, are you more prone to "fix" them according to your plan, or to listen to their actual need as Jesus did?
Week 7: The Truth-Teller: Holy Friction
Scripture: Matthew 23
The Big Idea: Being "nice" is a mask; being "kind" is a mirror.
Discussion:
- Jesus was gentle with the broken but harsh with religious "gatekeepers." What "gatekeeping" behaviors do we see in the modern church?
- Is there a situation where you are being "nice" to avoid conflict, when Jesus would likely have been "kind" by speaking a hard truth?
Week 8: The Feeder: Abundance
Scripture: Mark 6:30-44
The Big Idea: Your "not enough" is exactly what Jesus needs.
Discussion:
- Jesus tells the disciples, "You give them something to eat," knowing they can't. Why does He involve us in works that are beyond our capacity?
- What is a "handful of loaves and fish" (a small skill or resource) you have that you’ve been holding back because you think it isn't enough?
Week 9: The Basin & Towel: Servanthood
Scripture: John 13:1-17
The Big Idea: Greatness is found in the direction of the floor.
Discussion:
- Jesus washed the feet of Judas, knowing he would betray Him. How does that specific detail redefine what it means to "serve"?
- Who is the "Judas" in your life (someone who has wronged you) that you could serve this week without expecting a "thank you"?
Week 10: The Garden: Submission
Scripture: Luke 22:39-46
The Big Idea: Submission is the ultimate expression of trust.
Discussion:
- In Gethsemane, Jesus is honest about His fear but committed to the Father’s will. How does this "model" of prayer differ from just "asking for things"?
- What is a "Cup" in your life right now that you are asking God to take away, and what would it look like to say "Your will be done"?
Week 11: The Cross: Sacrifice
Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11
The Big Idea: The way up is the way down.
Discussion:
- On the cross, Jesus’ "work" was to suffer and forgive. How can "suffering well" be a form of witness to the people around us?
- We often try to "power through" struggles. How might your current struggle be an opportunity to model Jesus’ grace to those watching?
Week 12: The Commission: Empowerment
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
The Big Idea: The Master’s work is now your trade.
Discussion:
- Jesus leaves the entire mission in the hands of flawed, doubting people. What does this tell us about His "management style"?
- What is one specific character trait of Jesus that you feel most called to "commission" into your daily routine starting today?
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St. James Lutheran Church